To speak, in conclusion, only of what has been done during this hurried voyage, their Highnesses will see that I can give them as much gold as they desire, if they will give me a little assistance, spices, cotton, as much as their Highnesses may command to be shipped, and mastic as much as their Highnesses choose to send for, which until now has only been found in Greece, in the isle of Chios, and the Signoria can get its own price for it; as much lign-aloe as they command to be shipped, and as many slaves as they choose to send for, all heathens. I think I have found rhubarb and cinnamon. . . . But our Redeemer has given victory to our most illustrious King and Queen, and to their kingdoms rendered famous by this glorious event, at which all Christendom should rejoice, celebrating it with great festivities and solemn Thanksgivings to the Holy Trinity, with fervent prayers for the high distinction that will accrue to them from turning so many peoples to our holy faith; and also from the temporal benefits that not only Spain but all Christian nations will obtain.

–The Letter of Christopher Columbus to Luis de
Sant Angel Announcing His Discovery, 1493

The passage reflects European motivations for exploring and colonizing the Americas in the desire to engage in an

A) exchange of European agricultural products and natural resources for American agricultural products and natural resources with native peoples in an equitable fashion.

B) exchange of American agricultural products and natural resources for cultural enlightenment for American Indian groups through the spread of Christianity.

C) acquisition of American agricultural products, natural resources, and enslaved labor with little intention to exchange goods of comparable value with American Indian groups.

D) acquisition of American agricultural products, natural resources, and persons for enslaved labor for return to Europe through use of military force.